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We applaud your efforts to provide the very best for your baby, but know you sometimes have questions or concerns about breastfeeding or pumping. Our Certified Lactation Counselors and child experts are here to help you and offer support. For specific Lansinoh product usage questions, please contact customer service by email or (800) 292-4794 between 8am-8pm est.

breastfeeding

Question:

I had to undergo having my gallbladder removed around Christmas time and I had the dye and radiation ran through me so of course I wasn't able to continue breast feeding my son after and had to put him on formula but my question is .. I eat healthy and I am still leaking from my breast and I do not have a manual or hand pump but I was wondering if i was able to try and see if my son will take back to the breast and bulid my supply back up or is my whole milk supply ruined because of the CT Scan i went through??????

Answer:

Chelsea,

As long as you are no longer on any medications that could affect your breastmilk, then you can absolutely try to continue breastfeeding. You can get advice on medication and breastfeeding from the Infant Risk Center; www.infantrisk.com.

Our bodies are amazing and most women will continue to make breastmilk for at least a couples months after they stop breastfeeding. I would recommend to start trying at nighttime feedings when baby is sleepy. this way he is less likely to notice or care about the difference from bottle feeding. As you feed at the breast more your supply will start to build back up and you will be able to have more at the breast feedings and less bottle feedings. You may have to continue to supplement, just be sure to monitor your babies weight gain and growth with his pediatrician, but just because some of his food may be supplemented doesn't mean that you can't still give him the great benefits of the breastmilk you have.